The Escape is a large vessel and seemed to be at full capacity (approx 4,700) which for example resulted in dining tables being placed on the dance floor in the Manhattan dining room reducing size by about 50%. Our cabin (10716) is located close to the bow and as 'only 2 x elevators/stairs and ours almost midship, always long walkies to and fro to anywhere on ship. Would guess maximize number of cabins the design approach - also noted less main deck space and only one adult pool area? Found difficulty in communicating with most of the crew and wondered if result of 'fast expansion' of cruise lines resulting in difficulty in finding good people fluid in English?

Not impressed with cabin steward - couldn't tell you his name, didn't introduce himself. Bed was never made correctly and did NOT always leave cabin when we were there. Never left wine glasses - would expect a good steward to see we had brought on board (and paid corkage) wine and therefore needed glasses?

Our one excursion on Tortola island a disaster. Billed as a 'walk through a natural forest/beach visit' we were surprised to find a hilly trail. Worst was the fact that the first words from our guide were "due to frequent overnight rains the trail is quite muddy". We spent about an hour with eyes down trying to keep upright and avoiding the mud before, with others turning around. 2 x Water buckets were provided to clean feet and shoes. On complaining, first offered 50% which was ok but then wanted to check with 'operator' who naturally indicated thought trek was muddy but ???? No incentive to reduce his payment from NCL who then reduced suggested refund to 20%? Felt disatisfied and adjusted gratuities which was not our objective here. Finally, we enjoy Karaoke fun. Held in 5 o'clock somewhere bar. Dreadful set up! You have to line up to use special 'tablet' which takes getting used to, end up searching for songs that don't exist in system - very, very limited. With no interaction with host quite hard to get any joyful atmosphere going and to make things worse host changes after say 1 1/2 hours. Quite disappointing and people quickly drifted away. Read more